US20160355276A1 - Engine assembly of an aircraft including a display unit - Google Patents
Engine assembly of an aircraft including a display unit Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20160355276A1 US20160355276A1 US15/171,171 US201615171171A US2016355276A1 US 20160355276 A1 US20160355276 A1 US 20160355276A1 US 201615171171 A US201615171171 A US 201615171171A US 2016355276 A1 US2016355276 A1 US 2016355276A1
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- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- light
- engine
- air intake
- display unit
- engine assembly
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B64—AIRCRAFT; AVIATION; COSMONAUTICS
- B64D—EQUIPMENT FOR FITTING IN OR TO AIRCRAFT; FLIGHT SUITS; PARACHUTES; ARRANGEMENTS OR MOUNTING OF POWER PLANTS OR PROPULSION TRANSMISSIONS IN AIRCRAFT
- B64D47/00—Equipment not otherwise provided for
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
- A01M—CATCHING, TRAPPING OR SCARING OF ANIMALS; APPARATUS FOR THE DESTRUCTION OF NOXIOUS ANIMALS OR NOXIOUS PLANTS
- A01M29/00—Scaring or repelling devices, e.g. bird-scaring apparatus
- A01M29/06—Scaring or repelling devices, e.g. bird-scaring apparatus using visual means, e.g. scarecrows, moving elements, specific shapes, patterns or the like
- A01M29/10—Scaring or repelling devices, e.g. bird-scaring apparatus using visual means, e.g. scarecrows, moving elements, specific shapes, patterns or the like using light sources, e.g. lasers or flashing lights
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G09—EDUCATION; CRYPTOGRAPHY; DISPLAY; ADVERTISING; SEALS
- G09F—DISPLAYING; ADVERTISING; SIGNS; LABELS OR NAME-PLATES; SEALS
- G09F19/00—Advertising or display means not otherwise provided for
- G09F19/12—Advertising or display means not otherwise provided for using special optical effects
- G09F19/18—Advertising or display means not otherwise provided for using special optical effects involving the use of optical projection means, e.g. projection of images on clouds
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
- A01M—CATCHING, TRAPPING OR SCARING OF ANIMALS; APPARATUS FOR THE DESTRUCTION OF NOXIOUS ANIMALS OR NOXIOUS PLANTS
- A01M29/00—Scaring or repelling devices, e.g. bird-scaring apparatus
- A01M29/06—Scaring or repelling devices, e.g. bird-scaring apparatus using visual means, e.g. scarecrows, moving elements, specific shapes, patterns or the like
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B64—AIRCRAFT; AVIATION; COSMONAUTICS
- B64D—EQUIPMENT FOR FITTING IN OR TO AIRCRAFT; FLIGHT SUITS; PARACHUTES; ARRANGEMENTS OR MOUNTING OF POWER PLANTS OR PROPULSION TRANSMISSIONS IN AIRCRAFT
- B64D27/00—Arrangement or mounting of power plant in aircraft; Aircraft characterised thereby
- B64D27/02—Aircraft characterised by the type or position of power plant
- B64D27/10—Aircraft characterised by the type or position of power plant of gas-turbine type
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B64—AIRCRAFT; AVIATION; COSMONAUTICS
- B64D—EQUIPMENT FOR FITTING IN OR TO AIRCRAFT; FLIGHT SUITS; PARACHUTES; ARRANGEMENTS OR MOUNTING OF POWER PLANTS OR PROPULSION TRANSMISSIONS IN AIRCRAFT
- B64D33/00—Arrangements in aircraft of power plant parts or auxiliaries not otherwise provided for
- B64D33/02—Arrangements in aircraft of power plant parts or auxiliaries not otherwise provided for of combustion air intakes
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B64—AIRCRAFT; AVIATION; COSMONAUTICS
- B64D—EQUIPMENT FOR FITTING IN OR TO AIRCRAFT; FLIGHT SUITS; PARACHUTES; ARRANGEMENTS OR MOUNTING OF POWER PLANTS OR PROPULSION TRANSMISSIONS IN AIRCRAFT
- B64D47/00—Equipment not otherwise provided for
- B64D47/02—Arrangements or adaptations of signal or lighting devices
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F01—MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; ENGINE PLANTS IN GENERAL; STEAM ENGINES
- F01D—NON-POSITIVE DISPLACEMENT MACHINES OR ENGINES, e.g. STEAM TURBINES
- F01D25/00—Component parts, details, or accessories, not provided for in, or of interest apart from, other groups
- F01D25/24—Casings; Casing parts, e.g. diaphragms, casing fastenings
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
- F02C—GAS-TURBINE PLANTS; AIR INTAKES FOR JET-PROPULSION PLANTS; CONTROLLING FUEL SUPPLY IN AIR-BREATHING JET-PROPULSION PLANTS
- F02C7/00—Features, components parts, details or accessories, not provided for in, or of interest apart form groups F02C1/00 - F02C6/00; Air intakes for jet-propulsion plants
- F02C7/04—Air intakes for gas-turbine plants or jet-propulsion plants
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
- F04D—NON-POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT PUMPS
- F04D27/00—Control, e.g. regulation, of pumps, pumping installations or pumping systems specially adapted for elastic fluids
- F04D27/001—Testing thereof; Determination or simulation of flow characteristics; Stall or surge detection, e.g. condition monitoring
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
- F04D—NON-POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT PUMPS
- F04D29/00—Details, component parts, or accessories
- F04D29/26—Rotors specially for elastic fluids
- F04D29/32—Rotors specially for elastic fluids for axial flow pumps
- F04D29/325—Rotors specially for elastic fluids for axial flow pumps for axial flow fans
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
- F04D—NON-POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT PUMPS
- F04D29/00—Details, component parts, or accessories
- F04D29/26—Rotors specially for elastic fluids
- F04D29/32—Rotors specially for elastic fluids for axial flow pumps
- F04D29/38—Blades
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G09—EDUCATION; CRYPTOGRAPHY; DISPLAY; ADVERTISING; SEALS
- G09F—DISPLAYING; ADVERTISING; SIGNS; LABELS OR NAME-PLATES; SEALS
- G09F21/00—Mobile visual advertising
- G09F21/06—Mobile visual advertising by aeroplanes, airships, balloons, or kites
- G09F21/08—Mobile visual advertising by aeroplanes, airships, balloons, or kites the advertising matter being arranged on the aircraft
- G09F21/10—Mobile visual advertising by aeroplanes, airships, balloons, or kites the advertising matter being arranged on the aircraft illuminated
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B64—AIRCRAFT; AVIATION; COSMONAUTICS
- B64D—EQUIPMENT FOR FITTING IN OR TO AIRCRAFT; FLIGHT SUITS; PARACHUTES; ARRANGEMENTS OR MOUNTING OF POWER PLANTS OR PROPULSION TRANSMISSIONS IN AIRCRAFT
- B64D33/00—Arrangements in aircraft of power plant parts or auxiliaries not otherwise provided for
- B64D33/02—Arrangements in aircraft of power plant parts or auxiliaries not otherwise provided for of combustion air intakes
- B64D2033/022—Arrangements in aircraft of power plant parts or auxiliaries not otherwise provided for of combustion air intakes comprising bird or foreign object protections
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B64—AIRCRAFT; AVIATION; COSMONAUTICS
- B64D—EQUIPMENT FOR FITTING IN OR TO AIRCRAFT; FLIGHT SUITS; PARACHUTES; ARRANGEMENTS OR MOUNTING OF POWER PLANTS OR PROPULSION TRANSMISSIONS IN AIRCRAFT
- B64D45/00—Aircraft indicators or protectors not otherwise provided for
- B64D2045/0095—Devices specially adapted to avoid bird strike
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F05—INDEXING SCHEMES RELATING TO ENGINES OR PUMPS IN VARIOUS SUBCLASSES OF CLASSES F01-F04
- F05D—INDEXING SCHEME FOR ASPECTS RELATING TO NON-POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT MACHINES OR ENGINES, GAS-TURBINES OR JET-PROPULSION PLANTS
- F05D2220/00—Application
- F05D2220/30—Application in turbines
- F05D2220/32—Application in turbines in gas turbines
- F05D2220/323—Application in turbines in gas turbines for aircraft propulsion, e.g. jet engines
Definitions
- This invention relates to an engine assembly of an aircraft including a display unit, the engine assembly comprising an engine and a pod surrounding the engine.
- a device is known through document FR-3 002 360 for displaying images on an outside part of a mobile vehicle, and notably an aircraft.
- This display device comprises at least one laser source, which is capable of generating a light, spatially and temporally coherent, and which is configured to project at least one dynamic image on an outside part of the mobile vehicle, in particular on the fuselage of an aircraft or on the air intake of an engine of the aircraft.
- the laser source is planned to be arranged on the fuselage, near the junction with the wing. The laser source is thus distanced from the engine and the laser beam emitted can be disturbed during its trajectory.
- a device is known through document FR-2 982 736 for visually scaring avian species including a display unit, notably allowing this disadvantage to be partially remedied.
- This display unit comprises means for generating a visual signal including an image, of a size, variable over time, which simulates an approach by increasing the size of the image.
- the means generate a visual signal representing eyes, while emitting images onto the two engines of a twin-engine aircraft.
- this document FR-2 982 736 notably plans to arrange, at the engine air intakes or engine cowls, equipment of the means of emitting a visual signal, these means being configured so as to project images on the engine vanes.
- FR-2 982 736 does not indicate how the means of emitting a visual signal are embodied and arranged on the air intakes or cowls of the engines.
- Such an embodiment and such an arrangement are not easy to implement, notably to be effective and optimum relative to the envisaged utilization.
- the arrangement must take account of the configuration of the air intake and of the engine and the means of emission must not become a disturbance, in particular for the airflow entering through the air intake.
- An object of this invention is to provide an optimum embodiment and arrangement of a display unit. It relates to an engine assembly comprising an engine and a pod surrounding the engine, the engine being equipped, upstream in the direction of entry of air into the engine, with a fan provided with blades, the pod having upstream an air intake, the air intake being arranged upstream of the fan, the engine assembly comprising at least one display unit arranged in the air intake.
- the display unit includes at least one light ring arranged in the air intake upstream of the fan, the light ring including at least one row of light-emitting diodes and being configured to emit at least one light beam and to project it on the blades of the fan.
- the light-emitting diodes are thus positioned in the form of ring(s) inside the pod of the engine assembly, and are oriented such that the generated light beam illuminates the blades of the fan and is reflected by these blades to the front of the engine.
- the display unit in the form of light rings arranged in the air intake, which makes it possible to generate, in an effective manner, a display on the blades of the fan, and thanks on the other to the integration of light rings inside the air intake of the pod, which makes it possible to avoid any disturbance of flow, an optimum embodiment and an optimum arrangement of the display unit are obtained.
- the display unit includes at least one light ring, which is arranged in an acoustic panel of the air intake.
- the display unit includes two light rings arranged, respectively, upstream and towards downstream of an acoustic panel of the air intake.
- the display unit includes in addition:
- the engine assembly comprises at least one window which is transparent to the light beam emitted by the light-emitting diodes, the window being arranged on an outside face of the air intake facing the fan of the engine, the light-emitting diodes being arranged in the thickness of the air intake and configured to be able to emit a light beam through this window.
- This invention further relates to an aircraft, in particular, a transport aircraft, which comprises at least one engine assembly such as the aforementioned.
- a display unit such as described above, and in particular, bird scaring (on takeoff and landing), displaying information, identifying aircraft, notably in overcast weather, detecting defects on the blades of the fan, etc.
- FIGS. 1 and 2 are schematic partial sections of an engine assembly comprising an engine and a pod to which the invention is applied.
- FIG. 3 is the block diagram of an embodiment of a display unit, making it possible to illustrate the invention.
- FIG. 4 schematically shows an electronic card of an optical unit provided with a group of light-emitting diodes.
- FIGS. 5 and 6 show, schematically and partially, respectively, different embodiments of an optical unit.
- FIGS. 1 and 2 schematically and partially show an engine assembly 1 of an aircraft (not represented), in particular of a transport aircraft, illustrating the invention.
- the engine assembly 1 comprises, in a conventional manner, an engine 2 and a pod 3 surrounding the engine 2 .
- upstream and downstream are defined in relation to the direction of the air in the engine 2 , which is illustrated by an arrow E on FIGS. 1 and 2 .
- the engine 2 of axis X-X is equipped, in a conventional manner, upstream, with a fan 4 provided with blades 5 , a single blade 5 being represented in the schematic partial sectional view of FIGS. 1 and 2 .
- the other elements of the engine 2 are not further described.
- the pod 3 which is, for example, intended to be fastened under a wing (not illustrated) of the aircraft, is provided, in a conventional manner, upstream of an air intake 6 , as represented on FIGS. 1 and 2 .
- This air intake 6 is positioned upstream of the fan 4 .
- the air enters through this air intake 6 before reaching the fan of the engine 2 , in the direction indicated by the arrow E.
- Each row of a light ring 8 includes a plurality of optical units 11 .
- Each of the optical units 11 includes a group of light-emitting diodes 10 .
- the light-emitting diodes 10 are thus positioned in the form of a ring or rings 8 inside the pod 3 , and they are oriented such that the generated light beam F 1 to F 7 is directed onto the blades 5 of the fan 4 .
- This light beam F 1 to F 7 is reflected by these blades 5 to the front (upstream) of the engine 2 and therefore of the aircraft equipped with the engine 2 , as illustrated by dashes for the beam F 2 of FIG. 1 (and only for this beam F 2 so as not to overload FIG. 1 ).
- the illumination and display generated on the blades 5 of the fan of the engine 2 of the aircraft can thus be seen by a human being or animal viewing the engines while being situated substantially forward of the aircraft, or can be detected by a detection device.
- this invention can be applied to just one engine of the aircraft or to a plurality of engines, and notably to the set of the engines of the aircraft.
- the display unit 7 also comprises, in addition to the plurality of optical units 11 , as represented on FIG. 3 :
- the control unit 12 can be located in the structure of the air intake, near the light rings 8 .
- the actuating unit 14 which is preferably installed on the aircraft flight deck, it can be of a mechanical type, including, for example, keys and/or buttons, and/or of an electronic type, including, for example, a touchpad and/or conventional means of moving a cursor.
- This actuating unit 14 notably allows an operator, depending on the envisaged application:
- the source of electric power 16 can be a conventional source, already existing on the aircraft, or else a dedicated source.
- the light rings 8 are therefore formed of rows of light-emitting diodes grouped on the optical units 11 .
- Each optical unit 11 comprises a group (or “cluster”) of light-emitting diodes 10 , as represented on FIG. 4 , preferably at least four light-emitting diodes.
- a minimum of nine light-emitting diodes is planned for each optical unit 11 , as represented in the example of FIG. 4 , in order to obtain optimum resolution.
- the different light-emitting diodes 10 are combined on a common electronic card 18 of the printed circuit board (PCB) type, as shown on FIG. 4 .
- PCB printed circuit board
- each optical unit 11 includes a lens 19 configured to manage the orientation of a light beam emitted by the light-emitting diodes of the optical unit 11 , as well as other optical properties, for example, increasing the size of the image or focusing.
- the lens 19 makes it possible to modify the direction 20 of the light beam F emitted by the light-emitting diodes mounted on the electronic card 18 .
- the angle of attack of the light beam F on the blades can be 45° ⁇ 15°.
- each optical unit 11 also comprises a cooling unit 21 .
- This cooling unit 21 can comprise, as illustrated on FIGS. 5 and 6 , a cooling fan 22 and a conventional cooler 23 .
- FIGS. 5 and 6 also represented are:
- the optical unit 11 is installed on a spherical element 29 allowing a movement along two axes.
- the display unit 7 includes a single light ring 8 (represented very schematically), which is arranged in an acoustic panel 25 of the air intake 6 .
- the acoustic panel is formed, in a conventional manner, to reduce the noise generated by the engine 2 .
- each optical unit of the display unit 7 can comprise 9 light-emitting diodes. These diodes, 774 in this case, are mounted on 86 optical units with 3 different longitudinal positions (along the direction defined by the axis X-X). Three light beams F 1 to F 3 are emitted by the light ring 8 , respectively from these three longitudinal positions.
- the light ring 8 can comprise, as an illustration:
- the display unit 7 includes two light rings 8 , arranged, respectively upstream and towards downstream of the acoustic panel 25 of the air intake 6 .
- a first light ring 8 is positioned at the upstream extremity P 1 of the acoustic panel 25 .
- This first light ring 8 is represented on FIG. 2 through an optical unit 11 similar to that of FIG. 5 .
- the second light ring is positioned at a position P 2 towards the downstream extremity of the acoustic panel 25 , in this latter.
- the light ring 8 (at position P 2 ) is also represented through an optical unit 11 similar to that of FIG. 5 .
- each optical unit 11 can comprise 9 light-emitting diodes. These diodes, 918 in this case, are mounted on 102 optical units at 4 different longitudinal positions (along the direction defined by the axis X-X).
- each longitudinal position includes three rows (3 ⁇ 3 matrix for the 9 light-emitting diodes of each optical unit), 12 rows are therefore available in this example.
- four light beams F 4 to F 7 are emitted respectively from these four longitudinal positions, namely the beams F 4 and F 5 by the light ring 8 positioned at P 2 and the beams F 6 and F 7 by the light ring 8 positioned at P 1 .
- the light ring 8 positioned at P 2 can comprise:
- the light ring 8 positioned at P 1 can comprise:
- the light ring 8 at P 2 can be configured to generate only the light beam F 4
- the light ring 8 at P 1 can be configured to generate the three light beams F 5 , F 6 and F 7 .
- the downstream ring is positioned on the structure of the engine 2 (and not in the acoustic panel 25 as in the example of FIG. 2 ) according to the characteristics of the engine 2 .
- the structure of the engine 2 protrudes, in fact, more or less into the air intake 6 .
- This embodiment variant makes it possible to preserve the integrity of the acoustic panel 25 and therefore its functions.
- the engine assembly 1 comprises at least one window 26 , which is transparent to the light beam F emitted by the light-emitting diodes of the display unit 7 ( FIGS. 5 and 6 ).
- the window or windows is/are arranged on an outside face 30 of the structure of the air intake 6 , on its inside periphery facing the fan 4 of the engine 2 , as represented for the downstream ring 8 on FIG. 2 .
- the light-emitting diodes are arranged in the thickness of the air intake 6 , for example in the acoustic panel 25 , and are configured to be able to emit a light beam through the transparent window or windows.
- the window is made in plastic (polycarbonate) and the rest of the structure of the display unit 7 is mainly made in aluminum.
- the engine assembly 1 comprises a continuous window along the acoustic panel, intended for the set of diodes of the display unit.
- the engine assembly 1 comprises several windows with preservation of the structure of the acoustic panel between the windows.
- the display unit 7 as described above can be used in numerous applications on an aircraft.
- the display unit 7 is intended for visually scaring animal species and notably avian species.
- the pilot can trigger the display unit 7 using the actuating unit 14 , which is provided on the flight deck, before taking off or on the approach to an airport, for which an avian risk is suspected.
- the actuating unit 14 which is provided on the flight deck, before taking off or on the approach to an airport, for which an avian risk is suspected.
- Such an on-board scaring system is notably effective during ground proximity phases: during taxiing, on takeoff, in climb, on the approach and on landing.
- the diffusion or display of visual scaring signals during taxiing on the ground first and foremost allows the runway to be made safe before takeoff, by reducing and minimizing the risk of collisions. Moreover, the diffusion of visual scaring signals during the initial phase of takeoff and the final phase of landing (below 1500 feet) allows collisions to be limited during the flight phases presenting the main risks of collisions.
- the pilot can also activate the display unit 7 when an avian risk is indicated (during a migration period, for example).
- the display unit 7 is intended to display information (in the form of logos, drawings etc.) or signage, on an engine 2 of the aircraft.
- the display unit 7 can be used to display, for example, advertising information with the diffusion of any kind of visual advertising message. It can also be used to display information identifying the aircraft, or the airline company that charters the aircraft.
- the display unit 7 is used to monitor the blades 5 of the fan 4 of the engine 2 and is combined with means for enabling defects on the blades 5 to be detected following illumination of these latter by the display unit 7 .
Abstract
Description
- This application claims the benefit of the French patent application No. 1555115 filed on Jun. 5, 2015, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by way of reference.
- This invention relates to an engine assembly of an aircraft including a display unit, the engine assembly comprising an engine and a pod surrounding the engine.
- A device is known through document FR-3 002 360 for displaying images on an outside part of a mobile vehicle, and notably an aircraft. This display device comprises at least one laser source, which is capable of generating a light, spatially and temporally coherent, and which is configured to project at least one dynamic image on an outside part of the mobile vehicle, in particular on the fuselage of an aircraft or on the air intake of an engine of the aircraft. In the case of a display on an engine, the laser source is planned to be arranged on the fuselage, near the junction with the wing. The laser source is thus distanced from the engine and the laser beam emitted can be disturbed during its trajectory.
- A device is known through document FR-2 982 736 for visually scaring avian species including a display unit, notably allowing this disadvantage to be partially remedied. This display unit comprises means for generating a visual signal including an image, of a size, variable over time, which simulates an approach by increasing the size of the image. In a particular embodiment, the means generate a visual signal representing eyes, while emitting images onto the two engines of a twin-engine aircraft.
- To do this, this document FR-2 982 736 notably plans to arrange, at the engine air intakes or engine cowls, equipment of the means of emitting a visual signal, these means being configured so as to project images on the engine vanes.
- However, this document FR-2 982 736 does not indicate how the means of emitting a visual signal are embodied and arranged on the air intakes or cowls of the engines.
- Such an embodiment and such an arrangement are not easy to implement, notably to be effective and optimum relative to the envisaged utilization. In fact, the arrangement must take account of the configuration of the air intake and of the engine and the means of emission must not become a disturbance, in particular for the airflow entering through the air intake.
- An object of this invention is to provide an optimum embodiment and arrangement of a display unit. It relates to an engine assembly comprising an engine and a pod surrounding the engine, the engine being equipped, upstream in the direction of entry of air into the engine, with a fan provided with blades, the pod having upstream an air intake, the air intake being arranged upstream of the fan, the engine assembly comprising at least one display unit arranged in the air intake.
- According to the invention, the display unit includes at least one light ring arranged in the air intake upstream of the fan, the light ring including at least one row of light-emitting diodes and being configured to emit at least one light beam and to project it on the blades of the fan.
- The light-emitting diodes (LED), are thus positioned in the form of ring(s) inside the pod of the engine assembly, and are oriented such that the generated light beam illuminates the blades of the fan and is reflected by these blades to the front of the engine.
- Thus, thanks on one hand to the embodiment of the display unit in the form of light rings arranged in the air intake, which makes it possible to generate, in an effective manner, a display on the blades of the fan, and thanks on the other to the integration of light rings inside the air intake of the pod, which makes it possible to avoid any disturbance of flow, an optimum embodiment and an optimum arrangement of the display unit are obtained.
- According to different embodiments of the invention, which can be taken together or separately:
-
- each row of the light ring includes a plurality of optical units, each of the optical units including a group of light-emitting diodes;
- each of the optical units includes at least four light-emitting diodes;
- each of the optical units includes a common electronic card, on which are mounted all the light-emitting diodes of the corresponding optical unit;
- each of the optical units includes a lens configured to manage the orientation of a light beam emitted by the light-emitting diodes of the corresponding optical unit;
- each of the optical units includes a cooling unit.
- In a first embodiment, the display unit includes at least one light ring, which is arranged in an acoustic panel of the air intake.
- Moreover, in a second embodiment, the display unit includes two light rings arranged, respectively, upstream and towards downstream of an acoustic panel of the air intake.
- Furthermore, advantageously, the display unit includes in addition:
-
- a control unit;
- a source of electric power for the display unit; and
- an activating unit allowing an operator to act on the control unit.
- Furthermore, advantageously, the engine assembly comprises at least one window which is transparent to the light beam emitted by the light-emitting diodes, the window being arranged on an outside face of the air intake facing the fan of the engine, the light-emitting diodes being arranged in the thickness of the air intake and configured to be able to emit a light beam through this window.
- This invention further relates to an aircraft, in particular, a transport aircraft, which comprises at least one engine assembly such as the aforementioned.
- Different applications are possible with a display unit such as described above, and in particular, bird scaring (on takeoff and landing), displaying information, identifying aircraft, notably in overcast weather, detecting defects on the blades of the fan, etc.
- The attached figures will bring good understanding of how the invention can be embodied. On these figures, identical references designate similar elements.
-
FIGS. 1 and 2 are schematic partial sections of an engine assembly comprising an engine and a pod to which the invention is applied. -
FIG. 3 is the block diagram of an embodiment of a display unit, making it possible to illustrate the invention. -
FIG. 4 schematically shows an electronic card of an optical unit provided with a group of light-emitting diodes. -
FIGS. 5 and 6 show, schematically and partially, respectively, different embodiments of an optical unit. -
FIGS. 1 and 2 schematically and partially show an engine assembly 1 of an aircraft (not represented), in particular of a transport aircraft, illustrating the invention. The engine assembly 1 comprises, in a conventional manner, anengine 2 and apod 3 surrounding theengine 2. - Within the framework of this invention, the terms “upstream” and “downstream” are defined in relation to the direction of the air in the
engine 2, which is illustrated by an arrow E onFIGS. 1 and 2 . - The
engine 2 of axis X-X is equipped, in a conventional manner, upstream, with a fan 4 provided withblades 5, asingle blade 5 being represented in the schematic partial sectional view ofFIGS. 1 and 2 . The other elements of theengine 2, of conventional type, are not further described. - The
pod 3, which is, for example, intended to be fastened under a wing (not illustrated) of the aircraft, is provided, in a conventional manner, upstream of anair intake 6, as represented onFIGS. 1 and 2 . Thisair intake 6 is positioned upstream of the fan 4. The air enters through thisair intake 6 before reaching the fan of theengine 2, in the direction indicated by the arrow E. - According to the invention:
-
- the engine assembly 1 is provided with a display unit 7;
- this display unit 7 includes at least one
light ring 8 arranged in theair intake 6, upstream of the fan 4; - the
light ring 8 includes at least one row of light-emitting diodes 10 (FIG. 4 ) and is configured to emit at least one light beam F1 to F3 (FIG. 1 ) and F4 to F7 (FIG. 2 ) and to project it on theblades 5 of the fan 4.
- Each row of a
light ring 8 includes a plurality ofoptical units 11. Each of theoptical units 11 includes a group of light-emitting diodes 10. - The light-emitting diodes 10 (LED) are thus positioned in the form of a ring or
rings 8 inside thepod 3, and they are oriented such that the generated light beam F1 to F7 is directed onto theblades 5 of the fan 4. This light beam F1 to F7 is reflected by theseblades 5 to the front (upstream) of theengine 2 and therefore of the aircraft equipped with theengine 2, as illustrated by dashes for the beam F2 ofFIG. 1 (and only for this beam F2 so as not to overloadFIG. 1 ). - The illumination and display generated on the
blades 5 of the fan of theengine 2 of the aircraft can thus be seen by a human being or animal viewing the engines while being situated substantially forward of the aircraft, or can be detected by a detection device. - Of course, this invention can be applied to just one engine of the aircraft or to a plurality of engines, and notably to the set of the engines of the aircraft.
- Furthermore, the display unit 7 also comprises, in addition to the plurality of
optical units 11, as represented onFIG. 3 : -
- a control unit 12 (or microcontroller), which is linked via a
link 13 to theoptical units 11, and which is intended to control theseoptical units 11; - an actuating (or activating)
unit 14, which is linked via a link 15 (which is wired (a signal of the wave or electric type), or not wired (WiFi or other)) to thecontrol unit 12, and which allows an operator, in particular the pilot of the aircraft, to act on thecontrol unit 12 to control the display; and - at least one source of electric power 16 for the display unit 7, which provides an electric power supply as illustrated very diagrammatically by an arrow 17 as a mixed dotted line.
- a control unit 12 (or microcontroller), which is linked via a
- The
control unit 12 can be located in the structure of the air intake, near the light rings 8. - As for the
actuating unit 14, which is preferably installed on the aircraft flight deck, it can be of a mechanical type, including, for example, keys and/or buttons, and/or of an electronic type, including, for example, a touchpad and/or conventional means of moving a cursor. Thisactuating unit 14 notably allows an operator, depending on the envisaged application: -
- to switch the display unit 7 on and off; and/or
- to modify the characteristics of an image displayed via the display unit 7, such as its size or the frequency of its display (if it is not permanently displayed); and/or
- to select an image to display among predefined images.
- Moreover, the source of electric power 16 can be a conventional source, already existing on the aircraft, or else a dedicated source.
- The light rings 8 are therefore formed of rows of light-emitting diodes grouped on the
optical units 11. - Each
optical unit 11 comprises a group (or “cluster”) of light-emittingdiodes 10, as represented onFIG. 4 , preferably at least four light-emitting diodes. - In the case, notably, of diffusing an image in order to scare birds, such as specified above, in a particular embodiment, a minimum of nine light-emitting diodes is planned for each
optical unit 11, as represented in the example ofFIG. 4 , in order to obtain optimum resolution. - Moreover, within a same
optical unit 11, the different light-emittingdiodes 10 are combined on a commonelectronic card 18 of the printed circuit board (PCB) type, as shown onFIG. 4 . - Furthermore, as represented on
FIG. 3 , eachoptical unit 11 includes alens 19 configured to manage the orientation of a light beam emitted by the light-emitting diodes of theoptical unit 11, as well as other optical properties, for example, increasing the size of the image or focusing. - In the examples of
FIGS. 5 and 6 , thelens 19 makes it possible to modify thedirection 20 of the light beam F emitted by the light-emitting diodes mounted on theelectronic card 18. - As an illustration, the angle of attack of the light beam F on the blades can be 45°±15°.
- As represented on
FIGS. 3, 5 and 6 , eachoptical unit 11 also comprises acooling unit 21. - This cooling
unit 21 can comprise, as illustrated onFIGS. 5 and 6 , a coolingfan 22 and aconventional cooler 23. - On
FIGS. 5 and 6 , also represented are: -
- the
side 24 of thepod 6, for example, at an acoustic panel 25 (FIGS. 1 and 2 ); - a
window 26 through which the beam F is emitted. Thiswindow 26 is therefore made in a material, which is transparent at least to the wavelength of the beam or beams emitted by the display unit 7; and -
parts
- the
- Furthermore, in the particular embodiment of
FIG. 6 , theoptical unit 11 is installed on a spherical element 29 allowing a movement along two axes. - In a first embodiment, illustrated on
FIG. 1 , the display unit 7 includes a single light ring 8 (represented very schematically), which is arranged in anacoustic panel 25 of theair intake 6. The acoustic panel is formed, in a conventional manner, to reduce the noise generated by theengine 2. - As an illustration, in the embodiment of
FIG. 1 , each optical unit of the display unit 7 can comprise 9 light-emitting diodes. These diodes, 774 in this case, are mounted on 86 optical units with 3 different longitudinal positions (along the direction defined by the axis X-X). Three light beams F1 to F3 are emitted by thelight ring 8, respectively from these three longitudinal positions. In this example, thelight ring 8 can comprise, as an illustration: -
- 41 optical units for generating the beam F1, which is radially the outermost on the fan 4 in relation to the axis X-X;
- 29 optical units for generating the central beam F2; and
- 16 optical units for generating the beam F3, which is radially the innermost in relation to the axis X-X.
- Moreover, in a second embodiment, illustrated on
FIG. 2 , the display unit 7 includes twolight rings 8, arranged, respectively upstream and towards downstream of theacoustic panel 25 of theair intake 6. - A
first light ring 8 is positioned at the upstream extremity P1 of theacoustic panel 25. This firstlight ring 8 is represented onFIG. 2 through anoptical unit 11 similar to that ofFIG. 5 . - The second light ring is positioned at a position P2 towards the downstream extremity of the
acoustic panel 25, in this latter. In this example, the light ring 8 (at position P2) is also represented through anoptical unit 11 similar to that ofFIG. 5 . - Furthermore, as an illustration, in this embodiment of
FIG. 2 , eachoptical unit 11 can comprise 9 light-emitting diodes. These diodes, 918 in this case, are mounted on 102 optical units at 4 different longitudinal positions (along the direction defined by the axis X-X). - If each longitudinal position includes three rows (3×3 matrix for the 9 light-emitting diodes of each optical unit), 12 rows are therefore available in this example.
- In the particular embodiment, represented on
FIG. 2 , four light beams F4 to F7 are emitted respectively from these four longitudinal positions, namely the beams F4 and F5 by thelight ring 8 positioned at P2 and the beams F6 and F7 by thelight ring 8 positioned at P1. - As an illustration, in this example, the
light ring 8 positioned at P2 can comprise: -
- 35 optical units for generating the light beam F4; and
- 29 optical units for generating the light beam F5.
- In addition, the
light ring 8 positioned at P1 can comprise: -
- 23 optical units for generating the light beam F6; and
- 15 optical units for generating the light beam F7.
- As a variant, other distributions are possible. For example, the
light ring 8 at P2 can be configured to generate only the light beam F4, while thelight ring 8 at P1 can be configured to generate the three light beams F5, F6 and F7. - In an embodiment variant (not represented) of the second embodiment, the downstream ring is positioned on the structure of the engine 2 (and not in the
acoustic panel 25 as in the example ofFIG. 2 ) according to the characteristics of theengine 2. The structure of theengine 2 protrudes, in fact, more or less into theair intake 6. This embodiment variant makes it possible to preserve the integrity of theacoustic panel 25 and therefore its functions. - Furthermore, the engine assembly 1 comprises at least one
window 26, which is transparent to the light beam F emitted by the light-emitting diodes of the display unit 7 (FIGS. 5 and 6 ). The window or windows is/are arranged on anoutside face 30 of the structure of theair intake 6, on its inside periphery facing the fan 4 of theengine 2, as represented for thedownstream ring 8 onFIG. 2 . The light-emitting diodes are arranged in the thickness of theair intake 6, for example in theacoustic panel 25, and are configured to be able to emit a light beam through the transparent window or windows. - In a particular embodiment, the window is made in plastic (polycarbonate) and the rest of the structure of the display unit 7 is mainly made in aluminum.
- In a first embodiment, the engine assembly 1 comprises a continuous window along the acoustic panel, intended for the set of diodes of the display unit.
- Moreover, in a second embodiment, the engine assembly 1 comprises several windows with preservation of the structure of the acoustic panel between the windows.
- The display unit 7 as described above can be used in numerous applications on an aircraft.
- In a first application, the display unit 7 is intended for visually scaring animal species and notably avian species.
- In this case, the pilot can trigger the display unit 7 using the
actuating unit 14, which is provided on the flight deck, before taking off or on the approach to an airport, for which an avian risk is suspected. Such an on-board scaring system is notably effective during ground proximity phases: during taxiing, on takeoff, in climb, on the approach and on landing. - The diffusion or display of visual scaring signals during taxiing on the ground first and foremost allows the runway to be made safe before takeoff, by reducing and minimizing the risk of collisions. Moreover, the diffusion of visual scaring signals during the initial phase of takeoff and the final phase of landing (below 1500 feet) allows collisions to be limited during the flight phases presenting the main risks of collisions.
- In cruise, the pilot can also activate the display unit 7 when an avian risk is indicated (during a migration period, for example).
- In a second application, the display unit 7 is intended to display information (in the form of logos, drawings etc.) or signage, on an
engine 2 of the aircraft. - In this case, the display unit 7 can be used to display, for example, advertising information with the diffusion of any kind of visual advertising message. It can also be used to display information identifying the aircraft, or the airline company that charters the aircraft.
- Furthermore, in a third application, the display unit 7 is used to monitor the
blades 5 of the fan 4 of theengine 2 and is combined with means for enabling defects on theblades 5 to be detected following illumination of these latter by the display unit 7. - While at least one exemplary embodiment of the present invention(s) is disclosed herein, it should be understood that modifications, substitutions and alternatives may be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art and can be made without departing from the scope of this disclosure. This disclosure is intended to cover any adaptations or variations of the exemplary embodiment(s). In addition, in this disclosure, the terms “comprise” or “comprising” do not exclude other elements or steps, the terms “a” or “one” do not exclude a plural number, and the term “or” means either or both. Furthermore, characteristics or steps which have been described may also be used in combination with other characteristics or steps and in any order unless the disclosure or context suggests otherwise. This disclosure hereby incorporates by reference the complete disclosure of any patent or application from which it claims benefit or priority.
Claims (11)
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
FR1555115A FR3037041B1 (en) | 2015-06-05 | 2015-06-05 | AIRCRAFT ENGINE ASSEMBLY WITH A DISPLAY UNIT. |
FR1555115 | 2015-06-05 |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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US20160355276A1 true US20160355276A1 (en) | 2016-12-08 |
US10377503B2 US10377503B2 (en) | 2019-08-13 |
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US15/171,171 Active 2037-12-05 US10377503B2 (en) | 2015-06-05 | 2016-06-02 | Engine assembly of an aircraft including a display unit |
Country Status (4)
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US (1) | US10377503B2 (en) |
EP (1) | EP3101646A1 (en) |
CN (1) | CN106234345A (en) |
FR (1) | FR3037041B1 (en) |
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JP2020513208A (en) * | 2017-02-16 | 2020-05-07 | シェイドラー,ベンジャミン | Projection on the outer surface of the aircraft body |
Family Cites Families (22)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4066890A (en) * | 1976-09-24 | 1978-01-03 | The United States Of America As Represented By The Secretary Of The Army | Rotor tip light control |
CH669162A5 (en) * | 1986-03-04 | 1989-02-28 | Ruediger Steffen | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR PREVENTING BIRD SHOCK. |
US5813744A (en) * | 1997-03-17 | 1998-09-29 | Mcdonnell Douglas Corp. | Aircraft ground floodlight |
WO2001080635A1 (en) * | 2000-04-21 | 2001-11-01 | Labosphere Institute | Threatening device |
US6779908B1 (en) * | 2002-01-07 | 2004-08-24 | Genlyte Thomas Group Llc | Adjustable downlight lighting fixture |
US6974105B2 (en) * | 2003-01-09 | 2005-12-13 | Roger N Pham | High performance VTOL convertiplanes |
US7175321B1 (en) * | 2004-03-24 | 2007-02-13 | Lopez Gustavo M | Projector systems |
US7134773B2 (en) * | 2004-03-29 | 2006-11-14 | I3 Ventures, Llc | Lighting apparatus |
US7645053B2 (en) * | 2005-01-13 | 2010-01-12 | Honeywell International Inc. | Rotationally symmetrical LED-based anti-collision light for aircraft |
US7517119B2 (en) * | 2005-11-16 | 2009-04-14 | Lsi Industries, Inc. | Externally adjustable directional luminaire |
US8096069B2 (en) * | 2006-09-06 | 2012-01-17 | The Invention Science Fund I, Llc | Repeatably displaceable emanating element display |
US9669943B2 (en) * | 2008-09-02 | 2017-06-06 | Concept Ideas Pty Ltd | Arrangement for illuminating an aircraft fuselage |
US8876295B2 (en) * | 2008-10-01 | 2014-11-04 | The United States Of America As Represented By The Secretary Of The Army | Method for displaying images and/or other information on aircraft blades |
US8157383B2 (en) * | 2008-10-01 | 2012-04-17 | The United States Of America As Represented By The Secretary Of The Army | System for displaying images and/or information on aircraft blades and method thereof |
US8164462B1 (en) * | 2009-08-20 | 2012-04-24 | Jacqueline Carmela Bose | Geese chasing system |
US8506089B2 (en) * | 2009-12-09 | 2013-08-13 | Kenneth W. Kayser | Avian deterrent for glass using projected UV light |
US8651664B2 (en) | 2011-06-27 | 2014-02-18 | The Boeing Company | Aircraft projector system and movement detection system responsive to aircraft structure movement |
FR2982736B1 (en) * | 2011-11-18 | 2013-12-13 | Airbus Operations Sas | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR VISIBLE IMPARRINATION OF AVIAN SPECIES, ESPECIALLY FOR AN AIRCRAFT. |
US8933819B1 (en) * | 2012-09-04 | 2015-01-13 | The Boeing Company | Exterior aircraft display system |
FR3002360B1 (en) * | 2013-02-19 | 2016-07-01 | Airbus Operations Sas | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR DISPLAYING A DYNAMIC IMAGE USING AT LEAST ONE LASER SOURCE ON A MOBILE DEVICE, IN PARTICULAR AN AIRCRAFT. |
US20160029615A1 (en) * | 2014-02-13 | 2016-02-04 | Government Of The United States, As Represented By The Secretary Of The Air Force | Airborne Bird Strike Countermeasure |
US20180000062A1 (en) * | 2016-07-01 | 2018-01-04 | Maurice A. Khawam | Aircraft lighting system |
-
2015
- 2015-06-05 FR FR1555115A patent/FR3037041B1/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
2016
- 2016-06-02 EP EP16172565.0A patent/EP3101646A1/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2016-06-02 US US15/171,171 patent/US10377503B2/en active Active
- 2016-06-03 CN CN201610385755.7A patent/CN106234345A/en active Pending
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EP3101646A1 (en) | 2016-12-07 |
US10377503B2 (en) | 2019-08-13 |
FR3037041B1 (en) | 2017-06-16 |
CN106234345A (en) | 2016-12-21 |
FR3037041A1 (en) | 2016-12-09 |
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